Vetch Days Begin Monday

One of the highlights of the annual Vetch Days celebration in Elgin will take place Monday evening.

A ‘Poker’ Walk/Run will bring young and old out to enjoy a walk through the community.

Registration for the event will take place from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Elgin One Stop. Persons wishing to participate will be asked to contribute $1.

The event will start at 6 p.m. sharp with persons walking a course which is approximately two miles long.

When they begin, they will receive one playing card at the One Stop. Then, they will pick up additional cards as they reach the following locations: The Station • The Steel Steed Steakhouse & Saloon • City Limits • The ballfield • Pine Creek Nursery • The Elgin Swimming Pool. Everyone will then return to the One Stop where, at 7:30 p.m., the top three ‘hands’ will win prizes. In conjunction with the Poker ‘Walk’ the Chamber will host a mixer for members of the Petersburg Community Club afterwards at the Plantation Bed & Breakfast.

Another event is new this year. On Wednesday afternoon, beginning at 3 p.m. at Elgin City Park. The scavenger hunt will be divided into two age groups — grades K-6 and 7-12. According to organizer Kim Young, the K-6 will be broken down into two groups (K-3, 4-6) for the hunt which will be held at the City Park. Grades 7-12 will take part in a ‘hunt’ which will be held downtown. Prizes will be awarded to the top three in each group.

During the three-day celebration, Richard’s Amusements carnival will be located west of Main Street by the post office. Advance carnival tickets are on sale at Dean’s Market, City Limits, The Station and Elgin One Stop.

Activities scheduled for Monday, June 22 are: Water Fights for both children and adults, beginning at 3 p.m. east of the Fire Hall. The event is being organized by Denis Henn.

Activities scheduled for Tuesday, June 23 are: Pool party for children from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Immediately afterwards, kid’s races will be held in the park until 4 p.m. A tractor show featuring vintage tractors and equipment from owners in the area. Being organized by Gale Schindler, the vintage tractors and field equipment will be featured in the parade that evening. A kiddie parade, schedule to begin at 6:30 p.m., will be followed later in the evening by the grand parade at 7 p.m. The theme for this year’s celebration is “school pride.” Immediately afterwards, a ‘Cruise Night’ featuring vintage automobiles will be held. Organized by Jerry Heithoff, many of the cars will also be on display at The Station for a ‘Show ‘N Shine’ from 4-5 p.m. To wrap up Tuesday’s festivities, karaoke will be held at Boomerang’s. Persons are encouraged to wear the colors of either Pope John or Elgin High on Tuesday.

On Wednesday night, June 24, activities planned right now are: The annual Chamber BBQ will be held at KC Hall from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. At 6 p.m., a pep rally celebrating the new sports co-op will be held at the KC Hall. Performing during the pep rally will be the Pope John dance team. Also performing will be the Elgin Twirlers, doing routines using poms, hoola hoops and streamers. Elgin EMTs will conduct a blood pressure/blood sugar clinic during the BBQ • Beginning at 9 p.m., a ‘best legs’ contest for men and women will be held at the Steel Steed Steakhouse & Saloon. On Wednesday, in recognition of the sports co-op between the two local schools, those attending events are encouraged to wear the new school colors of red, black and silver.